Nettleton, MS – This weekend, Brandon Presley earned the early endorsement of the Columbus Commercial Dispatch because of his “track record of advocating for and enacting initiatives that benefit virtually every Mississippian.”

The Dispatch’s editorial board noted that the stark contrast between Brandon Presley and Tate Reeves could not be clearer, with Reeves representing “the status-quo, while Presley brings a record of fearlessly challenging the status-quo.”

Brandon has a long record of delivering on the Public Service Commission, including expanding high-speed internet, and “carried the fight - and won - on behalf of citizens facing huge electric rate increases when the $2.9 billion Kemper power plant faced budget overruns and eventually failed.” He isn’t beholden to a political party, endorsing President George W. Bush in the 2004 election.

The endorsement ran above the fold in the Saturday and Sunday edition of the paper:

Read more below:

Columbus Commercial Dispatch: Our View: Presley is the clear choice for governor

Dispatch Editorial Board

May 12, 2023

• In November, Mississippians will choose their 66th governor. Republican incumbent Tate Reeves faces off against Democrat Brandon Presley, a public service commissioner and former mayor of Nettleton.

• The distinction between Reeves and Presley could not be any sharper.

• Reeves represents the status-quo, while Presley brings a record of fearlessly challenging the status-quo.

• Reeves’ campaign claims of economic success can easily be debunked, especially when our state’s numbers are compared to our Southern neighbors. Mississippi is growing slower economically and losing population faster than virtually any other state in the southeast.

• In contrast, Presley stands on a track record of advocating for and enacting initiatives that benefit virtually every Mississippian, and he’s done it from the unlikely seat of the PSC, an elected board that oversees utilities.
  

■ Presley has long called for the expansion of Medicaid, something Reeves has stubbornly opposed even while a third of hospitals around the state teeter on the brink of bankruptcy and a majority of Mississippians favor the move.

■ While other state leaders essentially shrugged, he carried the fight — and won — on behalf of citizens facing huge electric rate increases when the $2.9 billion Kemper power plant faced budget overruns and eventually failed.

■ He pressured hesitant electric co-ops to offer high speed internet to their rural customers, a rollout that has been popular and successful.

■ Presley believes a ballot initiative process should be restored and has called for Reeves to announce a special session of the legislature to do so.

■ He was instrumental in the addition of cell phone numbers to the state do-not-call list and, through the PSC, has levied millions in fines against companies who violate DNC rules.

■ He can compromise. Presley crossed party lines to endorse George W. Bush in the 2004 presidential election, showing he is not entirely beholden to a political party.

■ It’s easy to nod in agreement to many of his other initiatives: impactful use of COVID-relief funds, opposing a hush-hush plan to use the state for nuclear waste disposal, advocating for domestic assault victims and saving rate payers money.

• Presley has articulated his priorities: expand Medicaid; eliminate sales tax on groceries (a tax that exists in just seven states); restore an initiative process; and attack government corruption. (Reeves fired the state attorney tasked with looking into the largest case of corruption in state history when that attorney tried to expand the investigation.)

• For many Mississippians, the “D” besides Presley’s name represents an unpardonable sin. We encourage voters to set aside labels and look at the candidates and their records.

• Ultimately, we all want to live contented, healthy lives with safe, well-educated children and access to opportunities. We care about our neighbors, schools, and institutions. We want government services adequately funded, wisely managed and honestly administered.

• Presley’s vision and record demonstrate his commitment to these ideas and his statesmanship, not just during the campaign, but throughout his years of public service.

• Therefore, The Dispatch endorses Brandon Presley as the 66th Governor of Mississippi. His commitment to Mississippians’ needs and his ability to compromise make him the right choice for a state that has long been in need of a change.
  

Brandon Presley is a fighter who keeps his promises, stands up for the little guy, and isn't afraid to ruffle more than a few feathers to deliver results for hardworking Mississippi families. Brandon served as Mayor of Nettleton from 2001 to 2007, where he got the town moving again and balanced the budget every year and cut taxes twice. As Public Service Commissioner, Brandon opened up meetings that had been closed to the public for decades, brought high-speed internet to some of the most remote and forgotten parts of Mississippi, put people back to work with the Hire Mississippi program, and saved taxpayers over 6 billion dollars.

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